News

The Jets starting defense is fully healthy heading into Sunday's season finale against the Patriots.

Analysis: Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson could well be another healthy scratch, but at this point it's arguable the team could be better served with him on the sideline. The Jets were able to hold the Chargers to only 14 points in the Week 16 defeat, but that performance should not be expected to be repeated against Tom Brady and the Patriots this week. The Jets defense has put together a solid 2017 season and has been a good option with the right matchup, but they aren't worth considering as they…read more

Published: Sat, Dec 30 at 7:31pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets starting defense is fully healthy heading into Sunday's matchup with the Chargers.

Analysis: The Jets defense ranks 26th in the NFL in points allowed per game (24.4) and 24th in yards allowed (351.9) this season. New York fares a bit better in the turnover battle having forced 20 takeaways, but the Chargers do take care of the ball fairly well. The Jets defense hasn't had the 2017 season that was expected, with the offense that was expected to be below average actually carrying the load. QB Philip Rivers and the Chargers are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive and RB Melvin…read more

Published: Sat, Dec 23 at 3:33pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson (coach's decision) will not play in Sunday's matchup with the Saints

Analysis: The Saints feature one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL with RBs Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, and going into the game without one of your starting defensive ends is hardly a step in the right direction. New Orleans also ranks fourth in the league with 13 turnovers and has only allowed 17 sacks, and is one of the best offenses in the NFL in most major categories. With all that being said, the Jets defense should be avoided in most circumstances as they go up against one of the most…read more

Published: Sat, Dec 16 at 5:39pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets rank 23rd in the NFL in total defense (353.5 YPG).

Analysis: In a year filled with oddities and unusual developments, the Jets have been arguably the most interesting team so far. Coming into the season, most people expected the defense to be the focal point of Todd Bowles' bunch. But, the reason for the teams surprising results through 12 games can be attributed to the work of the offensive unit. New York has conceded 30-plus points in consecutive games at home, but Sunday's trip to Denver could break the sour streak. The Broncos have struggled greatly…read more

Published: Mon, Dec 4 at 6:17pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

No members of the Jets' starting defense will carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Chiefs.

Analysis: The Jets defense has found inconsistent success this season, and it shows as they rank in the middle of the lead with 23.4 points per game allowed. The unit has 17 takeaways which ranks 10th in the league, but allow 120.4 rushing yards per game. The Chiefs offense has lost its mojo over the past month, and have scored a combined 36 points over their last three games. Despite the recent struggles the Kansas City offense still ranks second in the NFL with only eight giveaways, which makes this a…read more

Published: Sat, Dec 2 at 7:05pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers with a broken toe.

Analysis: Wilkerson has been dealing with the injury for much of the season but has yet to miss a game. The Jets defense has been a solid unit for most of the season and will be facing a Panthers offense that has been inconsistent from game-to-game. QB Cam Newton will get his favorite target in TE Greg Olson back off of injured reserve, a position the Jets have struggled to defend at times this season. The Panthers remain a run-oriented offense with Newton at the helm, and the Jets are middle of the pack…read more

Published: Sat, Nov 25 at 6:02pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Chargers linebacker Hayes Pullard is dealing with a neck injury ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: The Chargers defense has been impressive as of late. Last week, Los Angeles held Tom Brady and company to just three touchdowns and pitched a shutout against the Broncos the week prior. Pullard is a key cog, but the team can operate without him. The Jaguars are getting Leonard Fournette back after his one-game team-imposed suspension, so expect Jacksonville to have a little more life in its offense this week. The Chargers would be a solid pickup if the usual defensive unit is on a bye week, but…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 8 at 4:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive Muhammad Wilkerson was diagnosed with a broken toe ahead of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: Wilkerson's diagnosis is rather interesting given that he has reportedly been playing through the injury for over a month now. Based on this revelation, it's reasonable to assume he'll play through the pain once again. If he doesn't play, it would be an obvious loss for a Jets defense that has stepped it up as of late, but it might not be catastrophic due to the depth along the defensive line. The Bucs will be without both Jameis Winston (shoulder) and Mike Evans (suspension) for Sunday's game.…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 8 at 4:36pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder/foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Thursday's tilt with the Bills.

Analysis: Wilkerson appears to have suffered a setback of sorts after having played in Saturday's loss to the Falcons. The star defensive end has battled through the pain for much of the early season so it would not surprise anyone if Wilkerson took to the field Thursday. However, Jets coach Todd Bowles seemed less optimistic to that notion, suggesting it would be difficult for the 28-year-old veteran to be 100 percent coming off the short week. Either way, the Jets defense will have their hands full…read more

Published: Mon, Oct 30 at 4:21pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Analysis: The weekly questionable designation has become synonymous with Wilkerson over the last several weeks so unless anything unforeseen happens from now until Sunday, the expectation is that he'll play. This game is interesting for a variety of reasons. First, the Falcons prolific offense has looked anything but stellar in recent weeks, including a seven-point showing against one of the worst-ranked defenses one week ago in New England. Meanwhile, the Jets defense hasn't exactly looked like the…read more

Published: Wed, Oct 25 at 6:05pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder, foot) did not practice this week and may be rested for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: The Jets defense is coming off an admirable performance against the Patriots in Week 6, which was also the first time they allowed more than 20 points since their 45-20 loss to the Raiders back in Week 2. The Jets travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins in Week 7, and will face the NFL's worst offense which averages a paltry 12.2 points per game. The Dolphins are near the bottom of the league in the majority of offensive categories, but have taken decent care of the football with six turnovers…read more

Published: Sat, Oct 21 at 3:40pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Kony Ealy (shoulder) is marked as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Ealy's availability could be a huge factor in determining Sunday's outcome. Coming into the season, much of the defensive success was thought to ride on the shoulders of Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson. However, it has been Ealy's strong play that has helped the Jets surge to a 3-2 start. With the defense still relatively young, especially in the secondary, it's expected that Tom Brady will be able to get in the end zone a few times Sunday. But, don't sleep on the Jets ability to force…read more

Published: Wed, Oct 11 at 2:24pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: The expectation surrounding the organization is that Wilkerson will play based off his active status from a week ago. He's clearly not 100 percent, but Wilkerson has remained headstrong that he'll play through the shoulder pain he's experiencing. Assuming he plays, Wilkerson and the Jets pose as a possible depth play this week. The Browns, despite Deshone Kizer's somewhat impressive start, have struggled as an offensive unit. The Jets pride themselves defensively and with a semi-competent…read more

Published: Wed, Oct 4 at 3:35pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's tilt with the Jaguars.

Analysis: Wilkerson has remained adamant that he'll play through the pain, so we have to take his word for it. The Jets present themselves as an interesting play in Week 4. On one hand, this is a team that has openly proved to be one of the more fragile defenses across the league. Yet, last week the Jets ranked near the top in team defenses following their near shutout win over the Dolphins. With Wilkerson, this is a team that has a lot of talent up front, but the team is relatively young behind the…read more

Published: Wed, Sep 27 at 4:46pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder) is considered questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Wilkerson's availability is among the Jets' chief concerns entering Sunday, but the team certainly has plenty of others piled in front of them. Wilkerson's ability should not be understated, but even with the former pro-bowler, the Jets have too many holes on both sides of the ball to function properly. The Dolphins' offense doesn't blow you away, but it could Sunday based solely off their opponent.

Published: Wed, Sep 20 at 4:42pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets cornerback Morris Claiborne (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game at Oakland.

Analysis: Claiborne has been practicing limitedly during practice this week suggesting his status for Sunday's game won't become apparent until closer to kickoff. Either way, the decision shouldn't impact fantasy owners decisions. Oakland's offense is too big, too strong, too fast to consider the Jets defense at this point in time. New York held their own against Buffalo in Week 1, but with such ineptitudes offensively, it's likely the defense will be backed up for the majority of the game.

Published: Wed, Sep 13 at 4:08pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets ranked 28th in the league last year allowing 25.6 PPG.

Analysis: Despite the franchise's tumble downward over recent years, the New York still has its fair share of bright spots sprinkled over the defense. Leonard Williams and Muhammad Wilkerson should be among the most dominant duos up front all season and the rookie tandem of Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye have been impressive throughout training camp. Even still, the Jets' lackluster offense seems to provide the defense with more hurdles than can be jumped. Field position battles and turnovers will likely…read more

Published: Wed, Sep 6 at 4:32pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Leonard Williams (wrist) should be ready to go for Week 1.

Analysis: Williams exited the third preseason game with a wrist injury and didn't return. Fortunately, he's only dealing with a minor sprain and isn't expected to miss any time in the regular season. That's great news for the Jets, as they'll need both Williams and Sheldon Richardson available to have any chance of putting consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Published: Mon, Aug 28 at 1:55pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets only forced 14 takeaways in 2016, down from 30 in 2015.

Analysis: Unsurprisingly, the Jets went 10-6 in 2015 but 5-11 last season. When head coach Todd Bowles was hired in 2015, the former Cardinals defensive coordinator made it clear that forcing turnovers was an integral aspect of his defensive philosophy. Fortunately, the team appears to be heading in the right direction for a rebound after taking two ball-hawking safeties with its top two picks in this year's draft, LSU's Jamal Adams and Florida's Marcus Maye, while also signing ex-Cowboy Morris…read more

Published: Sun, Jul 23 at 6:27pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets parted ways with veteran linebacker David Harris.

Analysis: The entire Jets organization is in a rebuilding state, and that has effectively meant getting rid of select veterans in favor of youth. Harris -- who racked up 1,087 tackles across 10 seasons with the team -- was one of those veterans after he refused to take a pay cut. While the Jets have a few options to replace him, it seems they now have a slight hole at the position. It isn't as bad as the post-Darrelle Revis cornerback group, but Harris was also the clear leader of the entire defense…read more

Published: Sun, Jun 25 at 3:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets safety Rontez Miles had a team-high 14 tackles (6 solo) in Saturday's 41-3 loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Miles was one of the few bright spots on the Jets defense in Week 16. They managed to hold New England to 325 yards but were unable to stop the Patriots on third down, allowing them to convert on 11 of 18 third down attempts. In Week 17 New York will host a Bills team that is ranked No. 1 in rushing on the season. The Jets held the Bills to just 82 yards rushing when they played in Week 2 but they face a steep challenge to replicate that performance on Sunday. Consider New York a low-to-middle…read more

Published: Wed, Dec 28 at 11:20am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets draw a matchup with Tom Brady and the Patriots on Saturday.

Analysis: New York could be in for a long day Saturday in New England as they face the fourth ranked Patriots offense. The Jets rank in the bottom third of the league in pass defense and the Patriots rank fourth in the league in pass offense. It's about as rough of a matchup as there can be for New York and they are a bottom-tier D/ST option in Week 16.

Published: Sat, Dec 24 at 6:53am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive tackle Steve McLendon (hamstring) is questionable to play in Saturday's matchup with the Dolphins.

Analysis: McLendon has missed the past two games. During that time, the Jets let the Colts log over 100 rushing yards before allowing the dreadful 49ers offense to gain over 200, including an 11.4 yards-per-carry average to RB Carlos Hyde. Now, the Jets get to contend with a much better rushing attack lead by Jay Ajayi and the Dolphins' offensive line. While this should be a low-scoring affair considering both teams will be quarterbacked by back-up caliber signal callers, the Dolphins will undoubtedly…read more

Published: Wed, Dec 14 at 6:52pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the 49ers.

Analysis: The Jets' defense has been an embarrassment so fat this season. What was a projected top tier defense has fallen apart to the point where many believe some members of the defense are not giving 100 percent effort. Even though the 49ers' offense has an equal amount of deficiencies, the Jets' defense is too unreliable to risk playing this week. On paper this looks like a matchup that the Jets could exploit, but nobody can be too sure given their recent play. Consider playing the Jets' defense…read more

Published: Thu, Dec 8 at 2:47pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets safety Calvin Pryor (concussion) is questionable for Monday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: Pryor is just one of several key Jets whose status remains up in the air. Defensive tackle Steve McLendon and linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin are each listed as questionable with respective injuries. The Jets' defense came into the season with high expectations and have failed on nearly every front. Cornerback Darrelle Revis has all but quit on the team and admitted his age is catching up to him. The defense is not where it should be at this point in the season and should be avoided Monday given the…read more

Published: Thu, Dec 1 at 3:25pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The Jets will face New England in Sunday's Week 12 matchup.

Analysis: The Jets have been a middle tier defensive unit to this point in the season but Sunday's matchup could prove difficult as they host Tom Brady and the New England offense that has been among the most consistent groups in the NFL. Jets defensive lineman Steve McLendon (hamstring) is the only starting defender with any chance of missing Sunday's contest or being limited, but, even at full strength, New York should be considered a bottom level option come Sunday.

Published: Fri, Nov 25 at 4:53pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets cornerback Buster Skrine (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against Los Angeles.

Analysis: With fellow cornerback Marcus Williams (ankle) already ruled out, the Jets could be down two of their top four corners on Sunday. Thankfully for them they'll be taking on a Rams squad that has scored the fewest points per game in the league this season. Despite the favorable matchup the Jets should still be considered a mid to low tier option given their poor performances on the season.

Published: Fri, Nov 11 at 1:56pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets linebacker Darron Lee (ankle) is considered questionable for Week 9's game against the Dolphins

Analysis: Lee has missed the Jets' last two contests with a sprained ankle. Lee and fellow linebacker Bruce Carter (quadriceps) will both have their statuses cleared up as the week rolls on. Regardless of if Carter and Lee play, the Jets have been a weak defensive unit this year, and will be a mid-to-lower-level option even against an average Dolphins offense.

Published: Wed, Nov 2 at 8:58pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle) is considered questionable for Monday's match up.

Analysis: The Jets have remained relatively mum regarding Wilkerson's availability for Monday. While his status is definitely something keep an eye on, the Jets have one of the deepest defensive fronts in the league. Even if Wilkerson can't play, both Leonard Williams and Sheldon Richardson will still anchor the front seven. Coming into the season, most pundits picked the Jets defense to be one of the better defenses when it was all said and done. However, a decimated secondary and poor game planning has…read more

Published: Fri, Oct 14 at 10:36am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (hamstring) didn't practice all week and is listed as questionable for Sunday's road game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Analysis: Regardless of Revis' availability, the ice-cold Jets defense should be avoided in Sunday's nightmare matchup against Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell. In any case, Revis hasn't been his old self this season, and the rest of the Jets secondary has also been a disaster. The Jets draw another tough matchup in Week 6, facing the Arizona Cardinals on the road.

Published: Sat, Oct 8 at 6:37am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets linebacker Darron Lee led the way with seven tackles in a losing effort Sunday.

Analysis: Lee has been a catalyst for this defensive unit in the early going, but the Jets struggled keep Russell Wilson and company in check Sunday. Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham appears to have returned to his form after another 100-plus yard game. The Jets problems seem to be concentrated in the secondary. Darrelle Revis has been everything but himself and Calvin Pryor has struggled to stay on the field thanks to the injury bug. The front seven remains as good as anyone in the league, but the back…read more

Published: Tue, Oct 4 at 12:58pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson led the team with six tackles and recorded 0.5 sacks during the Jets 24-3 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Analysis: Richardson was one of the only bright spots for Gang Green on Sunday. While the Jets did allow 24 points, it's important to realize that two of the Chiefs' touchdowns came via a fumble return and interception. In reality, the Jets defense allowed just 10 points while the unit was on the field. This week figures to feature an intriguing date with Seattle. The Seahawks might be without Russell Wilson on Sunday, but at the very best they'll be with an injured Wilson. Jets' coach Todd Bowles will…read more

Published: Thu, Sep 29 at 6:02pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson led the team with six tackles and recorded 0.5 sacks during the Jets 24-3 loss to the Chiefs on Sunday.

Analysis: Richardson was one of the only bright spots for Gang Green on Sunday. While the Jets did allow 24 points, it's important to realize that two of the Chiefs' touchdowns came via a fumble return and interception. In reality, the Jets defense allowed just 10 points while the unit was on the field. This week figures to feature an intriguing date with Seattle. The Seahawks might be without Russell Wilson on Sunday, but at the very best they'll be with an injured Wilson. Jets' coach Todd Bowles will…read more

Published: Thu, Sep 29 at 6:02pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

Analysis: The Jets were mostly able to keep the Bills from sustaining drives, but all of the big plays in the matchup came from Buffalo's offense, which had touchdown passes of 84 and 71 yards, then added a touchdown inside of the two-minute warning. The Jets defense was much better in a Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, recording seven sacks and an interception, though wide receiver A.J. Green turned in a dominant performance. With cornerback Darrelle Revis on the decline, a strong defensive line…read more

Published: Sat, Sep 17 at 10:27am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The New York Jets defense finished the 2015 season ranked ninth in points allowed (19.6 per game), T-3rd in takeaways (30) and T-12th in sacks (39).

Analysis: The New York defense played at a high level throughout the season, but the unit's 30 takeaways somehow didn't result in a single defensive touchdown. Such a development can largely be chalked up to poor luck, and there's no real reason to expect a repeat next year. However, there are a couple of major questions facing the defense, with star defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (broken fibula) at the end of his rookie contract, and running mate Sheldon Richardson facing the possibility of a…read more

Published: Fri, Feb 12 at 12:04pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (concussion) still needs clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play in Sunday's home game against the Tennessee Titans, according to the New York Daily News.

Analysis: A Revis return would merely be icing on the cake, as the Jets defense already makes for a very strong Week 14 play. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has done well against poor defenses, but he'll likely have a tougher time facing a strong unit on the road. With Tennessee very unlikely to have success on the ground, there should be plenty of opportunities to pick up sacks and turnovers.

Published: Sat, Dec 12 at 2:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Giants.

Analysis: With Revis sidelined and fellow cornerback Marcus Williams (knee) listed as doubtful, the Jets defense is a shaky Week 13 play against a Giants offense that loves to throw the ball. There are better options freely available in most leagues,

Published: Sat, Dec 5 at 12:33pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

The New York Jets defense has a Week 13 "road" matchup against the New York Giants offense.

Analysis: Rarely does a matchup hinge so heavily on the health of a single defensive player, but it's impossible to deny the importance of having a healthy Darrelle Revis (concussion) for a matchup with Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham. The Jets defense isn't terrible without Revis, but the unit does become quite vulnerable to the pass, which would be bad news against a Big Blue offense that often doesn't waste much time with its middling ground game. The Jets defense becomes a very tough sell if Revis…read more

Published: Tue, Dec 1 at 1:01pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (quad) and safety Calvin Pryor (ankle) were limited participants at Wednesday's practice, ahead of Sunday's road game against the Houston Texans.

Analysis: The Jets hope that both defensive backs can return from injuries, but even if neither is available, the matchup will be highly favorable. The Jets have superstar cornerback Darrelle Revis to shadow Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who is the only real threat in an otherwise ugly offense. As if things weren't bad enough with Brian Hoyer (concussion) under center, the Texans will likely have to start T.J. Yates this week. The Jets defense is a borderline top-five option that can confidently…read more

Published: Thu, Nov 19 at 8:23am by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com

New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie (quad) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's home game against the Buffalo Bills.

Analysis: The Jets' injury report is absolutely loaded, but the only key defenders listed are Cromartie, safety Calvin Pryor (out-ankle) and nickelback Buster Skrine (questionable-shoulder/hand). The trio of injuries to the defensive backfield would likely be a bigger issue in another matchup, as the Bills typically deploy a run-heavy offense unless they're playing from behind in the second half. Of course, it's quite possible Buffalo will find itself in that situation, and the team has proven quite…read more

Published: Wed, Nov 11 at 7:18pm by Rotowire.comMore news and analysis available atNFL.com